I’m not sure you’ll find another person happier that JJ Barea is back than JJ Barea.

Barea cleared waivers yesterday and was immediately signed by Dallas, where he played the first five seasons of his career. The Puerto Rican point guard last wore a Mavericks uniform during Game 6 of the NBA Finals, when the Mavericks won the title against the Miami Heat in a series in which Barea ultimately played a pivotal role: It was head coach Rick Carlisle’s decision to start Barea in Game 4 — and the guard’s subsequent play — that swung the series in the Mavs’ favor.

During his first stint here, Barea developed into a reliable pick-and-roll partner with Dirk Nowitzki; you might remember that in Game 2 of the Mavs’ sweep against the Lakers in 2011, it was the Barea/Nowitzki P&R that blew the game wide-open in the fourth quarter. (It was also Barea’s fierce drive to the rim, and the subsequent flagrant foul by and subsequent ejection of Andrew Bynum, that put the last nail in the coffin in Game 4 of that series.) Reuniting with Nowitzki could very well help Barea return to his old efficient form. After all, it’s pretty easy to play with Dirk, and the guard practically had it down to a science a few years ago.

Following that title season, Barea has spent the last three seasons with Minnesota, averaging 10.1 points and 4.3 assists per game. But the point guard, who quickly endeared himself to fans because of his penchant for taking charges and willingness to attack the rim against much larger defenders, said he wishes he never would have left.

“I’m excited to be back,” he said. “This was the five best years of my life right here.”

Typically, it’s fairly uncommon to see this type of move happen at this time of year; the Mavs’ season has already started, after all. However, Barea is familiar with Carlisle’s system, which immediately makes him a viable candidate for playing time. Finding that chemistry with Nowitzki should come quickly, as the two spent so many years together before. So, too, will his familiarity with Tyson Chandler help the transition. Barea is now the third player from that Finals team on the current roster, and he’s happy to work with his old friends.

“Tyson was one of the biggest parts of that year,” he said. “Dirk will always be here. It’s great to have everybody back.”

Bringing the band back together isn’t just a symbolic gesture. There’s no question Barea can still play, and his addition signifies not only that the Mavs believe in him, but also that they’re looking to win right now. The team opted to waive youngster Gal Mekel to make room on the roster for Barea, electing to go with experience and current skill versus potential. Dallas is going all-in.

That said, where Barea will fit in to the rotation remains to be seen. Both Jameer Nelson and Devin Harris have performed very well at the point guard spot from preseason through the team’s regular season opener in San Antonio, and once Raymond Felton returns from his ankle injury and four-game suspension, the backcourt will become even more crowded. It’s still a good problem to have, but it’s a challenge nonetheless.

Harris, though, has the size to defend shooting guards if Carlisle elects to pair him with Barea in the backcourt. That could buy the returning Maverick some playing time, especially during the early stages in the season when the coach and his staff are working to figure out which players are getting the best grasp on the system.

Don’t limit your imagination to playing with just two guards, though. The Mavericks played with a three-guard lineup for lengthy stretches against the Spurs, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see that group become a more regular sight moving forward. During the 2011 title run, Carlisle regularly rolled out a three-guard group featuring Barea, Jason Kidd, and Jason Terry. It’s difficult to guess which two guards among the Harris-Nelson-Monta Ellis grouping might get the nod to play alongside Barea were that to happen, but that’s what early season games are for — try everything and figure out what works best.

We’ll see how long it takes for Carlisle to find a role for his newest weapon. We’ll also see how long it takes for Barea to become acclimated with his new teammates, but seeing familiar faces like Nowitzki’s and Tyson Chandler’s should make that process a whole lot quicker. And, besides, if it’s anything like the jelling process we’ve already witnessed with the rest of this team, it’ll be a smooth, enjoyable experience.

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